Newsroom Article

Share the Road: Protecting the vulnerable on area roadways

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​​Officials today (7/2/2013) from
Parkview Trauma Centers, the Indiana State Police, and ABATE, came together to
highlight an expanded focus relating to Parkview’s “Share the Road” campaign. While
bicyclists have received much of the focus in recent years, there are others
who are vulnerable on our roadways including motorcyclists and horse-drawn
buggies.

Recent data shows a
significant increase in the number of motorcycle related accidents resulting in
traumatic injury and/or death. Parkview Trauma Centers have seen an increase of
approximately 54% in the last three years. Using data beginning in January of 2010
through December of 2012, Parkview Trauma Centers have seen the number of
motorcycle related injuries increase from 68 in ’10 to 105 in ’12. Using this
same data, Parkview Trauma Centers have seen an 88% increase in the number
accident related injuries to those between 35 and 45 years old.

“Many of our trauma
related injuries that involve those riding bicycles or motorcycles leave
patients critically injured and sometimes even cause death,” said Lisa
Hollister, program manager of Parkview Trauma Centers. “Encouraging motorists
to be aware, and give that extra space needed on the roadways can prevent the
life changing injuries we see every day and that’s the point of our renewed messaging.”

“Studies indicate that in
multiple-vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the
motorcyclists’ right-of-way and caused the collision in two-thirds of those
crashes,” said Jay Jackson, executive director, ABATE of Indiana, Inc. “The
continued efforts of Hoosiers, on two or more wheels, is required if we intend
to decrease accidents and make Indiana safer for everyone.”

As part of the expanded
focus, numerous billboards have been placed throughout the greater Fort Wayne area
featuring cyclists, motorcyclists and horse-drawn buggies. The billboards will
appear on a rotating basis over the next several months. A vehicle donated by
Evans Toyota has also been wrapped with a creative design reminding motorists
to be aware of their surroundings.

Motorist Safety Tips

Stay at least
three feet from bicycles, one full lane of driving width for motorcycles.

When turning
across traffic, look carefully.

Turn on your
lights at dusk to help cyclists and other motorists see you.

When passing a
bicycle, hug the centerline and pass at 15 mph or less. If no vehicles are
approaching from the other direction, cross the centerline slightly to allow
the cyclist more room.

When parking
along a street, check for cyclists before opening the car door.

When turning out
of a driveway or onto a new street, it’s best practice to look left, right and
left again.

Rural roads are
not city streets. They are often narrower and give you less room to maneuver.

A horse and
buggy averages between 5mph and 8mph.

A horse is not a
machine. Motorists should use care when driving close or passing a buggy as
horses can be unpredictable.

Keep an eye out
for signs indicating slow-moving traffic.

Motorcycling Safety Tips

​Always wear a
helmet that fits correctly.

Know your bike’s
limits.

Stick to posted
speed limits.

Don’t tailgate
other vehicles.

Always use your
signals and remember to turn them off.

Be respectful of
other drivers. Don’t weave through traffic or drive on the shoulder.

Cycling Safety Tips

​Wear a bike helmet
at all times.

Don’t text and
ride.

Obey all traffic
laws, signs and signals.

Keep brakes,
lights, reflectors, horn or bell, and all safety devices in good working
condition.

Learn and use
hand signals for turns and stops.

Keep both hands
on the handle bars, except to signal a turn or stop.

Avoid riding
after dark. If you must ride after dark, use a headlight and reflectors, and
wear light-color clothing.